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NEW BEDFORD COMPANY FACES STATE AND FEDERAL FINES

Release Date: 01/12/1998
Contact Information: Alice Kaufman, Press Office, (617)918-1064

BOSTON -- A New Bedford fish processor faces a $54,450 fine from federal environmental regulators resulting from the accidental release of anhydrous ammonia at its fish processing plant, a highly toxic chemical. The New England office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to fine The Delken Companies, Inc. for failing to immediately report the ammonia spill to the National Response center, the Local Emergency Planning Committee and the State Emergency Response Commission. The company also faces possible enforcement action from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Delken processes fish for use in cat food.

Last February, an accident at Delken's facility on Front Street released at least 770 pounds, or 150 gallons, of anhydrous ammonia into the air and down a sewer drain. The plant manager, suffered chemical burns while attempting to stop the release. High concentrations of ammonia can also cause respiratory problems.

"We take worker safety seriously," said John P. DeVillars, administrator of the EPA's New England office. "That's what's behind this action and the work we are now identifying with the Massachusetts DEP to ensure that improvements are made at the facility that will protect against future chemical spills."

While inspecting the facility, state and federal regulators noted operational and process deficiencies in the building that could contribute to future problems in the handling of anhydrous ammonia. The EPA has made recommendations to Delken for physical and operating improvements at the plant that would provide for greater worker and public safety, while adding protections to the environment from chemical releases at the site.